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Anyone been able to compare the SQ of Roon Nucleus vs. MacBook Air?

For the last several years I've wanted to reclaim my MacBook Air laptop for laptoping! I was thinking of 2 options. Trade my Mytek Brooklyn in plus $1200.00 for a Brooklyn Bridge or spend approximately the same money for a Roon Nucleus. My laptop has been plugged into my DAC via USB. I believe the Roon Nucleus could be hooked up the same way. Anyone been able to compare the two? It would seem a dedicated device would have less noise issues and time out issues. Is there a better way to connect the MacBook Air? Would a Mac Mini offer any advantages? Any advice is always appreciated!
128x128coachpoconnor
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ddude003
161 posts
 
If you follow Roon’s Core and Endpoint architecture you will be better off... Use your MacBook Air and/or other general purpose computer(s) including a Nuc or Nuc clone as a Core and find a "Roon Ready" Endpoint (read RAAT capable Streamer) to hook your DAC to... Or get a RAAT capable Streamer with an internal DAC...

See rule #1 below...  https://kb.roonlabs.com/Sound_Quality
coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor OP
380 posts
 
Just to be clear, I’m running Roon now using my MacBook Air as the core.
tuberist
951 posts
 
I went another route. Using a Small Green Computer I5 as a Roon server. Sound quality is fine and no dropouts. My Lumin is the Roon endpoint.
ddude003
161 posts
 
I think the point everyone is trying to make is... Do NOT plug a DAC directly into a Computer, including a Nuc... Find a Streamer to go between your Computer and your DAC for better SQ...

Re-Read rule #1 Suggested by Roon Labs... Linked here for your convenience... https://kb.roonlabs.com/Sound_Quality
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